1199SEIU’s 44th Annual MLK Celebration at URMC
January 13, 2025
Visual & Interview Opportunity
Healthcare Worker Union Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s legacy and commitment to workers’ rights
WHAT: 44th Annual MLK Celebration
WHEN: Monday, January 20, 2025
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE: URMC’s Strong Memorial Hospital
Class of ’62 Auditorium, G-9425
601 Elmwood Ave, Rochester, NY 14642
WHY?: The late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. often called 1199 his “favorite union.” Just weeks before his assassination in 1968, Dr. King addressed union members[1] speaking about the dignity of labor calling 1199 the “authentic conscience of the labor movement.” 1199SEIU continues to carry out Dr. King’s legacy by fighting injustice in all its forms.
1199SEIU healthcare workers will join alongside community groups, activists, and performers to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s keynote speaker is Rochester City Court Judge Van Henri White.
"Many years ago, Dr. King once asked: “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community." Indeed, it might be a question that one might still feel compelled to ask today. However, we are fortunate that 1199SEIU and its members have been working, for decades, to provide positive and productive answers to that very important question. I look forward to sharing my thoughts on this subject as we celebrate and commemorate Dr. King s birthday," said Judge White.
“It’s a pleasure to host this annual remembrance of Dr. King and celebration of his ideals,” said Kathy Parrinello, president and CEO of Strong Memorial and Highland hospitals. “We appreciate 1199SEIU for sponsoring this event and look forward to welcoming many URMC colleagues and community leaders to Strong for this fitting observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.”
Special guests this year include 1199SEIU Senior Executive Vice-President for Long-Term Care Yvonne Armstrong and Senior Executive Vice-President for Hospital Systems Veronica Turner-Biggs. Both Senior Executive Vice-Presidents will discuss how the largest healthcare workers union in the country continues the fight for social justice and civil rights in an ever-changing world.
The annual event will feature performances from local community groups and organizations. Dr. King’s legacy will be celebrated through spoken word, poetry, dance, and music.
MLK Day became a federal holiday in all 50 states in 1983. It is celebrated close to his birthday on the third Monday in January.[2]
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1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East is the largest and fastest-growing healthcare union in America. We represent over 400,000 nurses and caregivers throughout Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Florida. Our mission is to achieve quality care and good jobs for all.
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[1] (1) Video | Facebook
[2] How the Martin Luther King Jr. birthday became a holiday | Constitution Center